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What actually is a comparison tool, and how does it work?

If you’re looking for a range of quotes for all manner of things, you will likely have run into comparison tools. They are getting more and more popular, and with good reason. Whether you’re looking for auto insurance near me, medical insurance plans, student insurance, or a host of other quotes, a comparison tool can help.

But what is a comparison tool, and how does it actually work to find those quotes?

The basics of comparison tools

A comparison tool operates on a simple principle. The comparison website partners first with multiple providers of the service they are looking to promote. A customer then makes an application through the comparison tool, and the tool then presents that application to the appropriate partners who provide that service.

The applicant then gets a number of responses in return in the form of quotes for the application they have made, ranging in price. Some comparison tools are completely automated and the quotes can be generated instantly, others actually encourage their partners to individually assess each application to provide the best quote.

From that, the applicant can decide which quote is best for them, their budget, and their needs. They accept the quote and the application is already made with the provider, it’s just a case of providing confirmation of details.

What are the benefits?

So now you know the basics of how comparison tools work, why should you use one? The first benefit is that it makes it much quicker to get a range of quotes. There’s no need to make applications with each provider individually, instead, you just make the one application and they will provide you with a range of quotes in return.

The second is that it makes it much easier to compare and contrast the best deal for you. Whether you are looking for specific coverage or you need something that fits tightly within your budget, you’ll find it.

The best way to learn about how a comparison tool can help you is to use one and see for yourself. If you need an insurance quote, try out Compare Insurance today.

Photo: Free image by Pixabay
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Car Insurance

Important factors to consider when looking for car insurance as a new driver

So you’ve passed your test – congratulations! However, for some newly qualified drivers, the realisation of how much car insurance can cost comes as a shock to the system. If you’ve so far got by on temporary coverage, or been added as a provisional driver to a long-standing insurance policy on a parent or friend’s vehicle, you may now be facing the unexpected challenge of finding a online insurance that covers you on your own vehicle.

Size really does matter

One key factor in determining the cost of insurance premiums is the engine size of the vehicle. So if you haven’t yet bought a car, make sure you research the comprehensive insurance costs of all the options you are considering. Even cars that at first glance seem similar may have noticeably different insurance premiums due to just a small variation in engine size.

More mods mean more money

Although it might be tempting to raise or lower the car or add alloys or larger wheels, this may not be a great idea. Insurers do not tend to look favourably on modifications. They can noticeably increase the cost of insurance, and failure to declare modifications that you have made can render your insurance invalid, so take great care when making changes!

Mind the gap

A final factor to consider is whether the full value of your car would be protected if you were to have an accident that wrote the vehicle off. New vehicles lose a lot of their value in the first year. This depreciation means that if a car is damaged in an accident, and the insurance will only payout on the current value, you could stand to lose a significant amount of your initial investment. This can be particularly problematic if you have bought your car on finance – you could end up with a big bill, which would not be entirely covered by the insurance payout.

This is where a relatively new insurance product, gap insurance, comes in. Designed primarily for new drivers and nearly new cars, this insurance will cover the difference between any outstanding finance payments you owe on the car, and the payment from your main insurance policy. For new drivers with new cars, this is definitely a factor worth considering.

Photo: Free image by Pixabay